The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) decision to return a case file for further review will not delay the investigation involving an obstruction of justice complaint tied to a Senate security incident involving Senator Robin Padilla and other individuals.
PNP spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co said the move is part of normal case build-up procedures and does not affect the progress of the investigation handled by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
The DOJ recently sent back the complaint to the CIDG for additional compliance and documentation under its policy on proactive involvement of prosecutors in strengthening case records before filing in court.
The CIDG had earlier recommended the filing of charges in connection with a May security incident at the Senate involving personnel exchanges and the reported movement of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa following a shooting incident between security units.
Authorities said the incident prompted scrutiny of security protocols inside the Senate premises, with investigators assessing coordination lapses and operational decisions made during the event.
Despite the DOJ action, the PNP said the case remains active and will proceed once required documents are completed and resubmitted.
“The recommendation will be resubmitted as soon as the CIDG complies with the additional requirements,” Co said, stressing that the process is part of routine prosecutorial refinement and not a dismissal or reversal of findings.
Officials added that coordination between the DOJ and law enforcement agencies continues under established procedures, with the goal of strengthening case readiness prior to filing.
The CIDG is expected to submit the revised recommendation once outstanding requirements are addressed.